Falcon 9 launch scrubbed at last second
Posted: Sat, May 19, 2012, 3:41 PM ET (1941 GMT)
The launch of a privately-developed cargo spacecraft on a test flight to the International Space Station was scrubbed in the final second of the countdown early Saturday because of an engine problem. The Falcon 9 was to lift off from Cape Canaveral at 4:55 am EDT (0855 GMT) but computers stopped the launch at T-0.5 seconds, after the rocket's nine first-stage engines ignited but before liftoff. SpaceX officials said computers detected a "slightly high" combustion chamber pressure on engine 5, triggering the abort. Engineers will examine the engine to see if it can be readied for the next available launch window at 3:44 am EDT (0744 GMT) Tuesday. The rocket is carrying a Dragon cargo spacecraft on a test flight to maneuver around and berth with the ISS, allowing it, if successful, to make future cargo deliveries to the ISS.
The launch of a privately-developed cargo spacecraft on a test flight to the International Space Station was scrubbed in the final second of the countdown early Saturday because of an engine problem. The Falcon 9 was to lift off from Cape Canaveral at 4:55 am EDT (0855 GMT) but computers stopped the launch at T-0.5 seconds, after the rocket's nine first-stage engines ignited but before liftoff. SpaceX officials said computers detected a "slightly high" combustion chamber pressure on engine 5, triggering the abort. Engineers will examine the engine to see if it can be readied for the next available launch window at 3:44 am EDT (0744 GMT) Tuesday. The rocket is carrying a Dragon cargo spacecraft on a test flight to maneuver around and berth with the ISS, allowing it, if successful, to make future cargo deliveries to the ISS.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Retired Air Force officer nominated to be NASA deputy administrator
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:44 AM ET (1344 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, May 14
Space debris crisis: the national security threat we’re ignoring
Space News — 5:51 am ET (0951 GMT) I’m an exoplanet scientist. Here’s what we lose if we don’t launch Roman.
Space News — 5:51 am ET (0951 GMT) Altimeter problems, lighting challenges caused IM-2 lunar lander to fall on its side
Space News — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) Senate forms ‘Golden Dome Caucus’ to champion missile defense shield
Space News — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) AST SpaceMobile ramping up launches ahead of beta service this year
Space News — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) |
